variants
also dumfounding
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounding
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumbfounding
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stroud’s development has stalled in Houston, where the Texans’ offensive line has long been a problem but can’t explain his erratic decision-making and dumbfounding turnovers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounding
Adjective
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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For one of them to celebrate a career-first win Sunday wouldn’t be all that surprising.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Floyd’s sincerity, the startling extremity of his concern for the comfort of others, snaps Clark out of his depressed, and depressing, complacency.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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The five-acre private villa estate offers nine startling low-slung beach villas which sit harmoniously in a coconut grove on an undeveloped stretch of volcanic beach on the northern shores.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Their latest documentary series looks set to continue that streak, exploring a shocking real case of love, betrayal, and justice.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The best examples are his stunning goals against Atletico Madrid and Brighton & Hove Albion.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Traditional-style longboats cruise the rivers while skyscrapers with rooftop bars offer stunning views of the temples at night.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The large language model revolution produced something genuinely astonishing.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Why book Olive and citrus-topped mountains, cliffs folding into ruddy-brown valleys, white sands and the teal Aegean Sea; western Crete’s scenery is astonishing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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